Our best motherboard picks for Ryzen 9 9900X
Table of Contents
The Ryzen 9 9900X is a top-tier processor in the 9000 series lineup. After getting delayed, it was finally launched on August 15. At the moment, you can grab it from Amazon or other popular retailers, which we’ve listed on our Where to Buy page. And for this processor, you’ll also need the right motherboard.
We have opted for an X670 motherboard here, as these are the best currently available for AM5 processors, at least until the 800 series motherboards are released anyway. X670E motherboards contain all the best technology available, so we’re recommending the ASUS ROG X670E Crosshair Hero.
We have spent hours reviewing and testing each motherboard we recommend, so you can be sure that we’re giving you the best advice that we can. if you want to know more about how we test components at PC Guide, you can check out our PC Guide Testing Labs page. We do all this so we can answer the important questions, like where to put your new Ryzen 9 9900X.
We’re going to provide you with our favorite recommendation and then give you a few that we haven’t reviewed, just in case our pick doesn’t do it for you.
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ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero
- Socket: AM5 (LGA 1718)
- Chipset: X670E
- Form Factor : ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 5 Storage – PCIe Gen 5 GPU
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
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MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO
- Socket: AM5 (LGA1718)
- Chipset: B650
- Form Factor : Micro-ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 4
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
Why we have chosen the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670 Hero
- Socket: AM5 (LGA 1718)
- Chipset: X670E
- Form Factor : ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 5 Storage – PCIe Gen 5 GPU
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
This motherboard is perfect for those who do not want to be held back when it comes to features or technology. This is one of the best offerings on the X670E chipset, and if you can afford it, it will serve you very well for years to come.
- Ryzen 7000 series and 9000 series compatible
- High memory speed and capacity
- Extensive overclocking support
- Robust power stages
- Great customizability
- Sleek aesthetics
- Very expensive
- Reserved for enthusiasts
- If you don’t have high-end hardware, this may be a waste
- Armory crate – everyone who uses it, dislikes it
- Very gamer focused – If you don’t like that kind of thing
The ASUS ROG X670 Hero stands out as one of the premier X670E motherboards currently available. Given the absence of the 800 series, it remains one of the top AMD motherboards on the market. While it’s certainly on the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s a fitting companion for a high-performance CPU like the 9950X, so budget constraints aren’t the primary concern here. The Hero features a nearly full armor covering, providing excellent protection against case shorts and aiding in thermal management.
Connectivity
The X670E is equipped with cutting-edge connectivity options, including PCIe 5.0-enabled storage, in addition to the standard GPU slots. Its VRM setup is exceptionally sturdy, featuring an 18+2 phase design that ensures clean and stable power delivery, which is crucial for overclocking. Additionally, the motherboard comes with a PCIe Gen 5 M.2 card, offering space for additional M.2 SSDs if needed.
Crosshair X670E Hero showing AMD CPU and RAM slots
Crosshair-X670E-Hero-design
Crosshair X670E Hero Showing I/O and connectivity
Crosshair X670E Hero bottom left corner where power connectors are
This motherboard has plenty to offer when it comes to connectivity, as it has all the latest USB standards, Type-C, and on-board HDMI should you want to use the RDNA 3-based iGPU on the 9900X. If you’re into tinkering, then this motherboard offers an array of troubleshooting features to make your life easier. The Hero comes equipped with a Q-code reader, and dedicated start and reset buttons on the motherboard, so you don’t have to jump it.
Not only that but the X670 comes with a CMOS clear button, which if you move hardware around a lot like I do, cannot be understated. The X670E Hero does have a bit of a “gamer” vibe going on, but it is important to note that you can disable all of the RGB in ASUS Armoury Crate to give it a more sleek and low-key profile.
Installation
Installation is very simple with the X670 Hero, as it’s incredibly robust, and probably really hard to break (please don’t try). The armored back plate provides incredible rigidity and helps to protect the motherboard against shorts on the case. This armor also doubles as thermal armor, so it helps to dissipate the heat generated by VRMs and the motherboard chipset itself. Don’t worry, there are plenty of cutouts in the motherboard to allow you to install it securely into the case.
Ultimately, ease of installation is more reliant on the case selection than it is on the motherboard, so if you choose a good case, you’ll be alright. Just bear in mind that this motherboard is heavy, so don’t try to lift it with your wrist.
Performance
In our review of the X670E Hero, we discovered that this motherboard is fantastic at facilitating performance and offering clean and consistent power to the CPU. The VRMs also stay cool and calm through the whole texting process measuring just 47°C at the peak. It’s important to note that this was in an open-air test bench, so your results may be slightly higher.
Runner-up pick for the Ryzen 9 9900X
- Socket: AM5 (LGA 1718)
- Chipset: X870E
- Form Factor: ATX
- PCIe Version: Gen 5 NVMe & Gen 5 GPU
- Memory Speed: 8000+MT/s (OC)
- Memory Capacity: 192GB DDR5
- Great memory overclock reaching fast transfer speeds
- Provides plenty of power to the processor and lets it run at its full potential
- Quick disconnect NVMe and GPU makes upgrades and installation a breeze
- A more premium option with features unnecessary for most
- Does take a long time to memory train for quick boots
The Ryzen 9 9900X is the second most powerful processor in the Ryzen 9000 lineup, meaning it can be used for workstations, gaming, and other tasks. That being said, to unleash its full potential, we recommend using the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi motherboard. We’ve reviewed the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E, and it showcased an excellent thermal design and performance.
The great aspect of this motherboard is that it has high-end features like PCIe 5 support for storage devices and graphics cards, a memory capacity of 192GB of DDR5 RAM, a maximum memory speed of 8,000+ MT/s, and plenty of thermal guards to keep the Gen 5 SSDs and motherboard running cool. All these features give it excellent and a high price tag; however, since the AM5 platform is to be supported till 2027, there should be plenty of processors to choose from in the future.
In addition, it has a a 18+2+2 VRM, which means the voltage is regulated in three stages and multiple phases. Since this motherboard is best paired with high-end processors, the overclocking capabilities make it ideal for enthusiasts that want to squeeze out every drop of performance from their CPU.
What puts everything together is the industrial aesthetics that give is robust look and the ROG emblem displayed on different aspects, it is definitely an eye catcher.
Performance
To check its performance, we paired it with the Ryzen 9 9950X and the RTX 4070 Ti. This setup managed 234 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 while consuming 139.467W with a maximum CPU and motherboard temperature of 80.3 and 37°C, respectively. The Cinebench R23 multi-core test delivered 39,932 point while consuming 168.189W and a maximum motherboard temperature of 36°C. So, this motherboard has excellent performance, cooling, and doesn’t limit the 9950X in any way, meaning it should be great for the Ryzen 9 9900X.
A more budget motherboard for the 9900X
- Socket: AM5 (LGA1718)
- Chipset: B650
- Form Factor : Micro-ATX
- PCIe Version : PCIe Gen 4
- Memory speed : 6400MHz + OC
- Memory capacity : 128GB (4 x 32GB)
This motherboard is quirky, but perfect if your a user that just needs an AM5 motherboard to get things done. It even features most of the connectivity on the back, for a clean, wireless aesthetic. If that’s your thing.
- Good value for money
- Looks good, really like the white
- Thermal armour keeps VRMs cool
- Slight performance loss vs X670E
- Difficult to install if your case doesn’t accommodate for the rear connections
- Micro-ATX, so only 1 PCIe slot
The MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO is a more budget motherboard than the X670E Hero in the sense that it costs less money, but it still has a set of features that would be more than enough for the average PC user. With one added benefit.
The MSI Project Zero line has one major benefit that most other motherboards lack, and that it’s wireless. Well, not really, but all of the major motherboard connections are to the rear of the motherboard, meaning they’re hidden from view. The issue is that this feature can make installation more difficult than normal motherboards, but it is worth it for the sweet aesthetic.
This motherboard has all of the features that you could need, including PCIe Gen 4 storage, and 1 x 16x PCIe slot for the GPU. This motherboard is indeed much smaller, being a Micro-ATX, but that makes this board perfect for small-form-factor builds that require a lot of power. Its 10+2+1 phase power design offers plenty of filtering to sustain the 9900X even when overclocking.
MSI Project Zero B650 on the test bench with ASUS cooler
MSI Project Zero B650 with Ryzen 9 7900X
MSI Project Zero B650 logo in corner
MSI Project Zero B650 rear connectivity
MSI Project Zero B650 I/O
MSI Project Zero B650 in the box featured image
Aesthetic this motherboard will bring a lot of elegance to any build, we love white motherboards and always feel they look much better than black ones. There’s just something about them. The MSI motherboard looks far less “gamey” and more industrial, which we think is a look that can integrate into any build, and serve as a very interesting base.
Performance
Our review of the MSI B650M Project Zero revealed that it is a very efficient motherboard capable of keeping up with the big boys like the X670. You won’t miss out on any performance opting for this motherboard, but you will miss some of the more premium features that the X670E motherboard offers.
Temperatures stayed relatively cool too even though the VRMs aren’t as well cooled compared to the X670E on this list. Even though it’s only a 10+2+1 phase power design, temperatures peaked at 54°C but as we said before, this was on an open-air test bench, so your results may vary.
If you’re in need of a board that can get it all done with a very quirky but aesthetically pleasing party trick, then this may be the motherboard to pair with your Ryzen 9 9900X.
Alternative motherboards for the 9900X
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Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset : X670
- Form Factor: ATX
- PCIe Version: PCIe 5.0
- Memory Speed: 8000 MHz(OC)
- Memory Capacity: 256GB DDR5
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ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
- Form Factor: ATX
- PCIe Version: PCIe 5.0
- Memory Speed: 7600+ MHz (OC)
- Memory Capacity: 128GB DDR5
These motherboards, although we have not reviewed them, I do have personal experience with them. The Aorus is sort of in the middle of the high-end motherboard pack, coming in with all the features and connectivity any average user could want, and then some. The ASUS TUF B650 is on the more budget side of things, but it’s still a fantastic motherboard to have, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. It has everything you will need to run a modern gaming PC.
Final word
The Ryzen 9 9900X requires plenty of stable, filtered power to achieve its extended frequency range, which we do not yet know. So if you want to give your CPU the best chance of performing as it should, then any of these motherboards would serve as the perfect platform to facilitate that. Of course, it’d be better to opt for the X670E to take advantage of the extra features, but the B650M isn’t a bad choice either if you want to save a little bit of money.
The 9900X is going to require a stable hand, but the 600 series is the best we can hope for right now, as the 800 series is yet to be released to the public. Latest estimates assume a September release for the highly anticipated motherboard series. We will now list some motherboards that we haven’t yet managed to review, just to offer some variety. Having used these motherboards personally, I feel that these are great options, if you don’t like the ones we offered up to you.
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